“Kelders van Geheime” Introduces Gay Romance

e.tv’s first Afrikaans daily drama, Kelders van Geheime (Cellars of Secrets), is uncorking more than just family intrigue – it’s about to serve viewers a passionate gay romance that’s set to ruffle feathers in the fictional winelands town of Soebatskloof.

The new storyline is in the longstanding tradition of soap series leading the way in the representation of same-sex relationships on South African television.

Making his debut on Monday, 11 August 2025, actor Evan Hengst (The Kissing Booth, Troukoors, Suidooster) steps into the role of Christiaan, a dark-haired stranger whose arrival instantly captures the attention – and the heart – of matric pupil Marco Marais, played by Angelo Bergh.

From the moment the two lock eyes, sparks fly. Marco, already navigating a storm of family trauma and betrayal, finds himself swept up in an intoxicating romance with the mysterious newcomer. But this isn’t your typical love-at-first-sight story – it comes with a twist worthy of a winelands soap scandal.

A Love Affair Built on Secrets

What begins as a sizzling affair quickly becomes a tangled web of hidden truths.

Neither man realises that the other is keeping a critical piece of information under wraps: Marco doesn’t know Christiaan is a teacher, and Christiaan has no idea Marco is still in matric.

As the truth looms, viewers are left wondering – will the revelation shatter their connection, or will forbidden fruit prove too tempting to resist?

Drama Beyond the Romance

Marco’s new love interest arrives at a time when his life is already in chaos. His family has been rocked by a failed homecoming, a violent hostage incident, and scandalous betrayals.

Emancipated and trying to find his place in the adult world, Marco sees Christiaan as both an escape and a chance to rediscover his confidence – but is his new lover truly the answer, or just another secret waiting to explode?

About Kelders van Geheime

Produced by KFilms for e.tv and helmed by executive producers Karen Meiring and Theltom Masimila, Kelders van Geheime is set in the Cape winelands and follows the intertwined lives, rivalries, and hidden scandals of the Soebatskloof community.

The show stars Nic de Jager, Sandra Prinsloo, Cedwyn Joel, Vinette Ebrahim, Duane Williams, and a stellar ensemble cast.

Kelders van Geheime airs weeknights at 18:30 on e.tv (Openview 104, DStv 194) and eExtra (Openview 105, DStv 195), with repeats at 20:30 on e.tv. The Sunday omnibus airs at 10:25 on e.tv.